Message in a Minute

Click the image above to hear from Pastor Harold and to learn about the three Key Announcements for this week!

Spiritual Reflection

“If I were to wish for anything, I should not wish for wealth and power, but for the passion of the potential, that eye which everywhere, every young, ever burning sees possibility. Pleasure disappoints, not possibility.”

Soren Kierkegaard 

Grand Opening of the Bargains & Blessings Boutique Building and 10-Year Anniversary

Tuesday, November 12 at 9 AM

Please join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony of our new Boutique Building, and a celebration of 10 years of positively impacting the lives of families in the tri-county area of Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties. Bargains & Blessings tote bags will also be on sale for $2.50 each. Local elected officials have been invited to join us and lite refreshments will be served.

Bargains and Blessings Resale Shop provides affordable furniture, clothing, household goods, and much more. The ministry has provided:

• $4.3 million in donations to 87 local outreach ministries
• Funding for 38 homes to families in our local community
• Improved housing for 142 children and 89 adults
• 1,240 twin and queen beds to families in need
• Over 1,000 blankets to people in need
• 3,000 families with furniture, household goods, and clothing valued at over $200,000

The week-long celebration includes a raffle of fifteen baskets with themed contents. Raffle tickets are $1 donation and winners will be notified on Monday, November 18. You will also have an opportunity during the week to spin the wheel for discounts on merchandise. 

Night to Shine Amazon & Walmart Registries

We're excited as we prepare for Night to Shine 2025, and we need your help to make it unforgettable for our honored guests! Here’s how you can get involved:

Purchase from Our Registries

We’ve created registries with needed items at Walmart and Amazon. Your purchases directly contribute to the event's success. 

Donate Men’s Suits

We’re looking for men’s suits in all sizes. Suit donations can be dropped off at the kiosk in the East Narthex on Sunday, November 10 from 8:30–10:45 AM. We will have a rack and an attendant ready to assist.

Calling All Seamstresses!

If you have sewing skills and want to volunteer, we need seamstresses for our Prom Boutique on November 22. If interested, please visit the Night to Shine website at ncumcfl.com/contact-nts. Scroll down to the “Questions?” button and fill out the online form.

Thank you for your generosity and support in creating a magical night for our guests. Your contributions make a world of difference!

Surviving the Holidays

Sunday, November 10 at 3 PM in the Chapel

Surviving the Holidays is a workshop for those who have experienced a grief or loss and are wondering how they will manage through the upcoming holiday season. Surviving the Holidays is produced by the authors of GriefShare^® and is offered free of charge to attendees. No registration is required. Please feel free to share this event with someone you know who is journeying through a loss.  

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Weimert in the Care office by clicking the button below.

Student Ministry Car Wash

Saturday, November 16 from 9 AM – 12 PM

Our car wash fundraiser is on the church campus in the West Parking Lot. The suggested donation is $5 per golf cart or $10 per car. We are continuing our express lane for golf carts this year. Please let your friends and neighbors know about this event as well. While you are getting your car/cart washed, the youth will be selling craft coffees and teas for $4-5 for you to enjoy.

Giving

But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:3-4)

This is another verse that speaks on not boasting about your charity – and is also perhaps one of the more well-known verses on giving in the Bible.  

This verse from Matthew also ends with a powerful note, stating that when you give in secret, God will see what is done even when no one else does, and will reward you. Those that give will be welcomed into Heaven with open arms.

Legacy Giving

When planning your estate, you feel good knowing that you are providing for the people and causes you care about.

New Sermon Series this Weekend

Leading and leaning into the season of Thanksgiving, we have much to be grateful for. We are blessed beyond measure, yet we live in a culture of “more.” The teachings of Jesus challenge that mindset and suggest that “less” can actually bring more joy and happiness! Perhaps Jesus desires for us a culture of contentment.

Jesus also teaches us that blessings aren’t something to we cling to but rather something to be shared. He inspires us to be generous, grateful, and helpful to others. Jesus models for us the joy found in giving and in an attitude of generosity.

We invite you to join us for worship, online or in person, for this sermon series about contentment, generosity, and gratitude.

Updated Church Website Launches This Weekend

We are pleased to announce the launch of our Updated Church Website this weekend!

This updated website is deigned to be straightforward for our congregation to navigate and to be inviting for newcomers.

Consider taking a few minutes this weekend to browse the great information the updated website.

For any questions, please contact Bradley Collins, Creative Director, using the button below.

Parking Lot Greeters Needed

As part of our First Impressions Ministry, we’re excited to introduce a new opportunity, Parking Lot Greeters.

Parking lot greeters are the first faces that churchgoers and guests encounter when they arrive. For newcomers, this initial contact sets the tone for their experience with us. Greeters will assist with directions, help people find parking, and answer questions, like which door to enter.

The impact of this role goes beyond simple logistics — it’s about making everyone feel welcome and valued even before they step inside. Every interaction has the potential to make someone’s day a little brighter and let them know they’re seen and cared for.

If you’re interested in volunteering for this ministry, please contact Ashley Hill. Together, we can create a warm and welcoming environment from the moment people arrive.

Helping Hands Volunteers Needed

Can you lend a Helping Hand? Additional volunteers are needed immediately to work with current volunteers on the New Covenant home build. No specific skills are needed, and other experienced volunteers will be on-site to provide instruction. Volunteers paint, landscape, lay sod, cut lumber, install doors and flooring, etc. Volunteer workdays will be Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 7:45 AM to 12 PM.

If you are interested or know of others who might be, please contact Janine Rogers.

Good Luck and Best Wishes Olivia

Solo Sisters in Spirit (November 2024)

Thursday, November 14 from 3 PM – 5 PM

Join us for Solo Sisters in Spirit. Sometimes we get 'ambushed' through a word, song, or situation where we really feel alone. "Solo Sisters" could be your answer. This group is for women of all ages — widowed, divorced, or single. We meet once a month for two hours of fellowship, food, and fun!  Our goal is to have a social fellowship time to meet new friends and have a loving community of women who care, share, and support each other. 

Admission is free, but registration is required. If you have questions, please contact Sharon Weimert or Pat Hill.

Golf Cart Scavenger Hunt

Monday, November 18 from 12 PM – 3 PM

The Men’s Ministry is sponsoring a golf cart scavenger hunt. This promises to be a fun event that is open to all, so please invite your friends. You can form a team, or we can put you on a team.

We will meet at the church at noon for a lunch of hamburgers / hot dogs, then receive your instructions with a list of tasks to complete. You will travel to Lake Sumter Landing to find the items from the clues given to you. The event will end back at the church where we will share a dessert and fun prizes. The rain date for this event is Tuesday, November 19.

Registration is required ($10). If you have any questions, please contact Don Buckey.

Men’s Prayer Breakfast

Begins Tuesday, November 19 at 7:30 AM in the East Narthex

Men's Breakfast will resume having hot breakfast for $7.  Breakfast will run five weeks (through December 17), and then take a two-week break due to Christmas and New Year holidays.

Our Next Health Speaker — John Horsley

Wednesday, November 20 at 1 PM in the Chapel

Did you know that increasing your muscle mass can help improve your cognitive function? According to the National Institutes of Health, "even moderate exercise can increase metabolism in brain regions important for learning and memory." Join John Horsley, a physiologist with AVIV Clinic, to learn more about the mind and muscle connection.

No registration required.

Women's Monthly Gathering November 2024

Thursday, November 21 from 10 – 11:30 AM (with lunch to follow)

Join us as we celebrate the freedom we enjoy in our United States of America and the women veterans who served to create that freedom. We’ll sing patriotic songs, listen to stories from those who served and offer prayers to God for our freedom and future peace. We also have several surprises for you throughout the morning. We’ll gather in the Christian Life Center for the program and eat lunch in the East Narthex.

“Operation Shoebox” is a group that meets each Monday at Lake Miona Recreation Center to pack boxes for our military stationed around the world. We are asking your help in providing items for their comfort and enjoyment. Please bring your donation of items such as small individual packets of cookies, cheese and peanut butter crackers, trail mix, pretzels, nuts, Slim Jim’s, band aids, safety pins, baby wipes, white socks, all occasion cards, small toothpaste, playing cards, etc. These donations acknowledge our thanks and gratitude for the many sacrifices these courageous warriors suffer to keep us safe.

Menu: Cheese Lasagna Rolls, Italian Salad, Garlic Bread, Pumpkin Pie with Whip Cream Topping

Registration is required ($10). If you need assistance registering, please contact Pat Hill.

Wildwood Food Pantry's Fall Food Drive

Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24

According to Feeding America, 2,935,330 people in Florida are facing hunger, and of them 819,940 are children. Charity and government assistance programs help to fill the gap, but your help is needed as well. You can assist by bringing food items to support the Wildwood Food Pantry's Fall Food Drive. Bags will be placed on cars/golf carts next weekend, November 16/17.

Volunteers will pick up your bags of food the following weekend, November 23/24. Please place the bag next to your car or golf cart. Throughout the week, we also have bins that are conveniently located in both the East and West Narthexes for food donations. Thank you for helping to make a difference in others lives!

Each year the food pantry also provides calendars for the families who come to pick up food. If you are willing to donate a 2025 calendar for a family, please bring it to Janine Rogers in the church administration building. 

“The Journey” Advent Study by Adam Hamilton

Sunday, December 1 at 10:15 AM in Classroom 1

The Beloved Community Sunday School Class is offering “The Journey,” a four-week book and video study facilitated by Vicki Southworth.

Adam Hamilton travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. Using historical information, archeological findings, and personal reflections, Hamilton illuminates this most amazing moment in history. Follow the footsteps of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and others and gain insight into your own journey with Christ.

All are welcome to join this class. The participants guide may be purchased through Amazon. For more information, please contact Pat Hill. 

Giving in the Spirit

Would you like the opportunity to give a monetary donation to an outreach ministry that impacts so many in our community, both locally and around the world? Giving in the Spirit provides a very meaningful way to bless others and share the joy of Christmas giving. 

To participate, pick up a booklet at the Welcome Center, an entrance to the Christian Life Center during weekend worship, or in the Administration office during the week. You may also make a donation online using the button below.

Complete the form inside the booklet and put the form and your donation in the envelope by Friday, November 29 to the Administration office, or place it in the offering basket during worship services by Sunday, December 1. The total donations to all outreach ministries that were listed in the booklet last year was $70,320.

We would like to thank the previous Giving in the Spirit coordinators, Mary and Henry Goldberg for their many years of outstanding volunteer service to this ministry. We appreciate their dedication in ensuring its success over the years.

History of War Brides of WWII

(Sponsored by Women’s Ministry)

Thursday, December 5 from 3:30-4:30 PM in the Chapel

You are invited to come and hear Beth Braun — a Villages’ researcher of history — share with us about war brides of WWII. Beth has a multitude of information and photos with amazing stories about American soldiers who met and married women in foreign countries during the war. At the end of the war many reunited, and many did not, even those with babies. More than 150,000 women settled in every state struggling to learn the language and how to cook American foods, deal with a little-known husband, and meet in-laws. It was a challenging time for these ladies. This is a fascinating history lesson you won’t want to miss!

Snacks and drinks will be provided. For information, please contact Pat Hill.

Christmas at New Covenant 2024

The Colours of Christmas: The Carols of John Rutter

Saturday, December 7 at 5 PM

Sunday, December 8 at 5 PM

Join us for an enchanting holiday concert celebrating the warmth and wonder of Christmas with the beloved carols of John Rutter! This year’s concert, The Colours of Christmas, features the powerful voices of The Chancel Choir, the harmonious tones of the Praise Ringers, and the rich sounds of a full orchestra, all under the masterful direction of conductor Sean Pollock.

Special performances by mezzo-soprano Angie Rose and tenor Mark Steven Schmidt will bring Rutter’s cherished carols to life, while Mark Kirschenbaum graces the stage to narrate Rutter’s whimsical fable, Brother Heinrich’s Christmas.

Reserve your seats for an unforgettable evening of music and festive spirit! Tickets are free as our gift to the community. Suggested donations are welcome, and a limited number of “Friends of Music” tickets are available for purchase to support the concert series.

Please remember to have your TIX username and password if you would like assistance purchasing Christmas tickets at the Computer Center after worship services. Thank you!

MOAMI 2025 Class

Thursdays, January 16 – March 27, 2025 from 1 PM – 4 PM

MOAMI (Moving on: Always Master Inspired) is a 11-week, faith based program open to all women looking for joy and purpose in the second half of their lives. MAOMI uses biblical principles to help each woman strengthen her relationship with God, develop supportive friendships with other women, learn strategies to successfully move through changes, discover her unique gifts, explore her purpose, and have fun with like-minded women.

The first class (January 16) is a Kickoff from 11 AM – 4 PM and the last class (March 27) is a Celebration from 11 AM – 4 PM (all other classes are from 1 – 4 PM). If you have any questions, please contact Barb Dougal.

Journeys of Paul Cruise Tour

October 24 – November 4, 2025

Pastor Harold will lead another “Journeys of Paul” Cruise Tour. The pilgrimage will be highlighting the key locations where the Apostle Paul launched many of his first century churches such as Corinth and Thessaloniki. The trip also includes time in Santorini and Mykonos, as well as Athens, one of the most historic cities in the world. To register, please use the button below and follow the instructions on the webpage. You may download a brochure for more information. Brochures are also available in the church office and at the Welcome Center.

Pastor Harold will hold an information meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at 9 AM in the Chapel.

New Covenant Columbarium

We are very fortunate at New Covenant to have our own Columbarium in the East Parking Lot. We were very blessed to have a group of forebears who felt this was an important offering to New Covenant members.

The Columbarium has expanded over the years and added lovely features such as benches and a fountain. The Columbarium Committee is always welcoming new members that are passionate about keeping our property well cared for and in good repair.

If you are interested in knowing more about our Columbarium, please click the button for our brochure, or contact Sharon Weimert.

Carol Baker

Shirley Capwell

Georgeanna Dunn

Bob Hilton 

Conne Miller

Debby Suchyta

Kathy Wright

Prayer Quilts

Desa, who needs comfort, grace, and mercy.

George, who needs healing from a broken hip.

Leonard, who has dementia and his family cannot visit.

Rylee, who needs comfort, grace, and mercy.

Prayer quilts are made by a dedicated group in our church who envision the quilts being a special gift of love for people facing difficult situations. If you would like to order a prayer quilt, please click the button below.

Our prayers, love, and sympathy are extended to...

Shirley Clasen, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Bill Clasen.

Gwen Quick, family and friends on the passing of her husband, Dennis Quick.

Charles Daniels, family and friends on the passing of his wife, Elizabeth Daniels.

Family and friends of Susan Payne on her passing.

For upcoming Celebrations of Life at New Covenant United Methodist Church, please click the button below.

Our Altar Flowers have been provided by…

Cathie Toy in memory of my husband, Denny Toy, who died on Veteran’s Day 2019.

Flower orders must be received by noon on Tuesday for flowers to be delivered that weekend. To place an order for altar flowers, please contact Ginny Davis using the button below.